If you are an aspiring Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapist who has completed your schooling, the last step of receiving your ABA certification is taking the BCBA® (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) exam. The BCBA® exam is a pivotal assessment within the field of ABA therapy. It serves as a benchmark for individuals seeking certification as behavior analysts, reflecting their competence and proficiency in applying ABA principles effectively and ethically.
The BCBA® exam evaluates candidates on their knowledge of ABA concepts, principles, and techniques. This comprehensive assessment covers a diverse array of topics, including behavior assessment, intervention strategies, data analysis, ethical considerations, and professional conduct. To be eligible for the exam, candidates must earn a master’s degree or above in behavior analysis or in a similar field like psychology or education and satisfy specific, graduate-level coursework in behavior analysis. Additionally, candidates must complete a specified number of supervised experience hours.
What is the BCBA exam?
The BCBA® exam itself is a rigorous test designed to measure candidates’ knowledge, understanding, and application of ABA theories and practices. It can be seen as a culmination of your graduate school experience, demonstrating that you have the expertise to begin your practice as a full-fledged therapist. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that assess both conceptual understanding and practical application. These questions draw upon a wide range of competencies, including the following:
- Understanding behavioral assessments
- Designing and implementing effective behavior intervention plans
- Data collection and analysis
- Ethical considerations
- Professional conduct
By passing the BCBA® exam, ABA therapists demonstrate their competence and readiness to provide high-quality behavior analysis services to individuals in need. This certification not only validates the skills of ABA therapists but also ensures a standard of care that promotes positive outcomes and enhances the quality of life for those receiving ABA interventions.
Indeed, holding BCBA® certification is considered an important part of career advancement for practitioners. ABA therapists who pass the exam are recognized as authorities in their field, positioning themselves for increased career opportunities, higher salaries, and the ability to lead and mentor others within the ABA community. While there may be some professional opportunities in the field of ABA for those who do not whole BCBA® certification, passing the test will allow you to level up significantly, so it should not be considered optional in your career trajectory.
Pass Rates by School: The Numbers
Below is the reported data showing the overall pass rates on BCBA® examinations for students of the top graduate-level ABA programs throughout the United States. This is useful for prospective ABA therapists who are deciding which program will best serve their professional goals.
This information is collected from the BACB’s report BCBA Examination Pass Rates for University Training Programs (2023), accessed in March 2025:
- Arcadia University Education Applied Behavior: 50%
- Arizona State University: 73%
- Arizona State University – 49%
- Assumption University: 67%
- Auburn University Psychology: 86%
- Ball State University: 55%
- Bay Path University: 74%
- Baylor University: 64%
- Bowling Green State: 50%
- Brock University: 84%
- Cairn University: 17%
- California State University – Northridge: 94%
- California State University Fresno: 88%
- California State University San Marcos: 27%
- California State University, Los Angeles: 53%
- California State University, Stanislaus: 86%
- Cambridge College: 73%
- Capella University: 48%
- The Chicago School, Chicago Campus: 63%
- The Chicago School N/P: 53%
- The Chicago School, Texas: 50%
- The Chicago School, DC: 50%
- Clemson University: 50%
- Columbia University Teachers College: 78%
- Daemen University-Formally Daemen College: 71%
- Drake University: 78%
- Drexel University: 42%
- Eastern Kentucky University: 63%
- Eastern University Counseling: 83%
- Elms College: 50%
- Endicott College: 71%
- Felician University: 25%
- Fitchburg State University: 77%
- Florida Institute of Technology: 95%
- Florida Institute of Technology Behavior: 78%
- Florida Institute of Technology: 62%
- Florida International University: 40%
- Florida State University: 95%
- George Mason University: 68%
- Georgia State University: 63%
- Georgian Court University: 29%
- Grand Valley State University: 33%
- Hunter: 50%
- James Madison University: 86%
- Kean University: 14%
- Lehigh University: 100%
- Lindenwood University: 60%
- Lipscomb University: 73%
- Long Island University: 29%
- Manhattanville College: 50%
- Marquette University: 82%
- Mary Baldwin University: 66%
- McNeese State University: 100%
- Michigan School of Psychology: 43%
- Michigan State University: 89%
- Mississippi State University: 73%
- Missouri State University: 71%
- Monash University: 78%
- Montana State University Billings: 89%
- National Louis University: 50%
- National University: 47%
- National University (formerly Northcentral University): 67%
- Northeastern University: 69%
- Northern Arizona: 36%
- Northern Illinois: 44%
- Northern Michigan University: 83%
- Nova Southeastern University: 50%
- Oakland University: 65%
- Old Dominion University: 43%
- Ouachita Baptist University: 50%
- Pennsylvania State University: 67%
- Pennsylvania State University – Harrisburg: 100%
- Pennsylvania Western University: 37%
- Pepperdine University: 58%
- Philadelphia College of Osteopathic: 83%
- Portland State University: 75%
- Purdue University: 33, 58%
- Purdue University Global: 45%
- Regis College: 59%
- Rider University: 17%
- Rollins College: 75%
- Rowan University: 71%
- Rutgers University: 50%
- Texas A&M University: 89%
- Texas State University: 77%
- Texas Tech University: 63%
- Touro University (formerly Touro College): 23%
- Troy University: 17%
- University of Alabama in Huntsville: 57%
- University of Arizona: 56%
- University of Arkansas: 33%
- University of California, Santa Barbara: 45%
- University of Central Florida: 14%
- University of Cincinnati: 59%
- University of Colorado Denver: 81%
- University of Dayton: 39%
- University of Georgia: 80%
- University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa: 63%
- University of Houston Victoria: 38%
- University of Houston, Clear Lake: 100%
- University of Kansas: 88%
- University of Kentucky: 75%
- University of Maryland Baltimore County: 67%
- University of Massachusetts Boston: 83%
- University of Massachusetts Dartmouth: 100%
- University of Massachusetts Global (formerly Brandman University): 44%
- University of Massachusetts: 83%
- University of Massachusetts Lowell: 83%
- University of Memphis: 42%
- University of Miami: 63%
- University of Michigan – Dearborn: 65%
- University of Missouri Columbia: 75%
- University of Nebraska Psychology: 82%
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas: 75%
- University of North Carolina Charlotte: 91%
- University of North Carolina Wilmington: 100%
- University of North Dakota: 57%
- University of North Florida: 83%
- University of North Texas: 50%
- University of North Texas (Distance): 82%
- University of North Texas N/P: 77%
- University of Northern: 50%
- University of Oklahoma: 25%
- University of Pittsburgh: 75%
- University of Saint Joseph: 74%
- University of South Carolina: 75%
- University of South Florida N/P: 89%
- University of South Florida: 70%
- University of Southern California: 63%
- University of Southern Maine: 59%
- University of Texas at San Antonio: 89%
- University of Texas Austin: 75%
- University of Utah: 89%
- University of Washington: 83%
- University of West Florida: 54%
- University of Wisconsin – Whitewater: 64%
- Utah Valley University: 80%
- Vanderbilt University: 72%
- Walden University: 21%
- Wayne State University: 63%
- Western Connecticut State University: 78%
- Western Michigan University: 71%
- Western New England University: 83%
- Westfield State University: 60%
- York College of Pennsylvania: 71%
FAQs
Do I need to graduate from an ABA degree program in order to take the BCBA?
Yes. The BACB, which oversees the BCBA credential, requires candidates to have master’s degrees in order to take the exam. There are also typically fieldwork hours required of all test takers. It’s important to note that the requirements for BCBA certification can vary by jurisdiction and over time, as the field and certification standards evolve. It’s therefore recommended to refer to the official BACB website or contact the BACB directly to get the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the prerequisites for BCBA certification.
Do I need to pass the BCBA exam in order to become an ABA therapist?
Typically, yes, you do. However, it’s important to note that the exact requirements can vary based on your location and the specific organization you’re aiming to work with. Some places might allow you to work as an ABA therapist without being a BCBA, but your role and responsibilities may be more limited compared to a BCBA-certified therapist. Additionally, becoming a BCBA involves completing a master’s degree program in behavior analysis or a related field, gaining supervised experience, and then successfully passing the BCBA exam.
Where do people learn how to pass the BCBA exam?
People often learn how to pass the BCBA exam through a combination of formal education, specialized exam preparation resources, and hands-on experience. A significant portion of the BCBA exam content is covered in formal coursework, including behavior assessment, intervention strategies, ethical considerations, and research methodologies. This means that high quality graduate programs will serve you well when you take the next steps to pursuing certification. There also are numerous resources available specifically designed to help candidates prepare for the BCBA exam, which include practice questions. Finally, joining or forming study groups with fellow BCBA candidates can also be beneficial, and will connect you with peers who are also entering the field of ABA.